Wrestle

Discover the magic of Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling through this FREE exhibition at Grizedale.

Brought to live by original paintings, contemporary photography and archive images, costumes and heritage objects curated with the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association.

Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling is a traditional form of “backhold” wrestling with its origins dating to Viking times. The sport has deep cultural connections with farming and heavy industry in the region, with wrestlers standing out in their traditional long-john costumes.

Today, wrestling is a truly inclusive sport. Men, women, girls and boys practise in communities across Cumbria and Northumberland making it a highlight of Lakeland sports, agricultural shows, country fairs and village sports.

The exhibition also features a community embroidery project co-created by Fabricate textile artists, celebrating the distinctive velvet centrepieces worn by wrestlers featuring elaborate, nature-inspired needlework.

Related events will run throughout the exhibition period, including wrestling displays, taster sessions for those wanting to try the sport, family activities, and opportunities to meet the artists.